JP2004103288A

JP2004103288A - Rotary operation type electric component

Info

Publication number: JP2004103288A
Application number: JP2002260208A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Shinichi Mizobuchi; 溝渕　慎一; Yukio Kanzaki; 神崎　幸雄
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-09-05
Filing date: 2002-09-05
Publication date: 2004-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-05
Also published as: CN1495808A; CN100355002C; JP4084138B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotary operation type electric component capable of preventing fall-off of its operation knob from a spindle. <P>SOLUTION: This rotary operation type electric component is provided with a base 1; an operation knob 6; a rotation member 3 rotated by the operation knob 6; a slider 3c for detecting the rotation of the rotation member 3; a rotary encoder including a conductive pattern 9a; and the spindle 4 forming the rotary center of the rotation member 3a and mounted to the base 1. The spindle 4 is formed of a metal plate; a metal plate part 5 is attached to the spindle 4; the plate part 5 is connected to the operation knob 6; and the rotation member 3 is connected to the plate part 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、各種電子機器に備えられ、回転操作に応じた電気信号を出力する回転操作型電気部品に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
この種の従来技術として、特開平９−２１９１３３号公報に記載されるものがある。
【０００３】
この従来技術は、基台と、樹脂製の操作つまみと、この操作つまみにより回転する回転部材と、この回転部材の回転を検出する回転検出手段と、回転部材の回転中心を形成し、基台に保持される支軸とを備えている。回転部材は支軸に嵌着され、支軸の端部は操作つまみにかしめられている。
【０００４】
なお、この従来技術は、支軸の軸方向と直交する方向に摺動可能に基台に保持されるスライド部材と、このスライド部材を所定位置に復帰させる付勢部材、すなわち戻しばねと、スライド部材の摺動を検出するスライド検出手段も備えている。上述した回転検出手段とスライド検出手段とは、操作つまみの内部に配置されている。
【０００５】
この従来技術にあっては、操作つまみを回転させると、一体的に支軸が回転し、これに伴って回転部材が回転する。この回転部材の回転が回転検出手段で検出され、上述した操作つまみの回転量に応じた信号が回転検出手段から出力される。また、操作つまみを戻しばねの力に抗して支軸の軸方向と直交する方向に押圧すると、スライド部材が摺動する。このスライド部材の摺動がスライド検出手段で検出され、操作つまみの押圧操作に応じた信号がスライド検出手段から出力される。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述した従来技術では、樹脂製の操作つまみが支軸にかしめられていることから、操作つまみに強い外力、すなわち支軸の軸方向にこじるような操作力が加えられると、この操作つまみと支軸とのかしめ部分が弛み、操作つまみが支軸から脱落し、部品としての信頼性が低下する懸念がある。また、操作つまみに加えられた操作力に伴って、支軸の軸方向に対して斜め方向の力がこの支持に加えられたときには、支軸が傾き、この支軸の傾きにより回転部材が所定の装着位置に対して傾き、回転検出手段の検出精度が劣化する懸念もある。
【０００７】
なお、操作つまみに、上述のようなこじり力が加えられないように、操作つまみの周囲に保護カバーを設けることが考えられるが、このような保護カバーを設けると部品の大型化を招きやすい。
【０００８】
また、上述した従来技術では、回転検出手段とスライド検出手段とが操作つまみ内に配置されていることから、操作つまみの外形寸法が大きくなりやすく、小型化に制約を受ける問題もある。
【０００９】
本発明は、上記した従来技術における実状からなされたもので、その第１の目的は、操作つまみの周囲に保護カバーを設けることなく、操作つまみに加えられる操作力によるこの操作つまみの支軸からの脱落を防止できる回転操作型電気部品を提供することにある。
【００１０】
第２の目的は、操作つまみに加えられる操作力による所定の装着位置に対する回転部材の傾きの発生を防止できる回転操作型電気部品を提供することにある。
【００１１】
第３の目的は、操作つまみの外形寸法を抑えることのできる回転操作型電気部品を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記第１の目的を達成するために、本発明は、基台と、操作つまみと、この操作つまみにより回転する回転部材と、この回転部材の回転を検出する回転検出手段と、上記回転部材の回転中心を形成し、上記基台に装着される支軸とを備え、上記支軸を金属材で形成し、この支軸に金属板部を取り付け、この金属板部を上記操作つまみに接続するとともに、上記回転部材を上記金属板部に連結したことを特徴としている。
【００１３】
このように構成した本発明は、操作つまみを回転させると、その回転力が金属板部に伝えられ、さらに金属板部から回転部材に伝えられる。すなわち、操作つまみの回転に応じて回転部材を回転させることができる。この回転部材の回転が回転検出手段で検出され、操作つまみの回転に応じた信号がこの回転検出手段から出力される。
【００１４】
また、操作つまみと金属板部とを嵌着等により安定して接続できるとともに、金属材から成る支軸と金属板部とをかしめ等により強固に固定することができる。これにより、操作つまみに大きな操作力が加えられ、その操作力が金属板部に伝えられても、金属板部と支軸との取り付け部に弛みを生じることがない。すなわち、操作つまみの周囲に保護カバーを取り付けることなく、支軸からの操作つまみの脱落を防止できる。
【００１５】
また本発明は、上記発明において、上記操作つまみの内周縁に凹凸部を設けるとともに、上記金属板部の外周縁に上記凹凸部に適合する形状の凸凹部を設け、操作つまみの上記凹凸部と金属板部の上記凸凹部とを嵌着させたことを特徴としている。
【００１６】
このように構成した本発明は、操作つまみの内周縁の凹凸部と金属板部の外周縁の凸凹部との嵌着により、操作つまみと金属板部との間に、回転ずれを生じない堅固な接続を確保できる。
【００１７】
また本発明は、上記発明において、上記回転部材の上記金属板部側の端部に突起部を設け、上記金属板部に上記突起部が嵌入される穴を設けたことを特徴としている。
【００１８】
このように構成した本発明は、操作つまみに加えられた操作力により金属板部が回転すると、その回転力が金属板部の穴の縁部から突起部に伝えられ、これにより回転部材が回転する。すなわち、操作つまみの回転に伴って回転部材を精度よく回転させることができる。
【００１９】
また本発明は、上記発明において、上記操作つまみ及び上記基台を導電材で形成したことを特徴としている。
【００２０】
このように構成した本発明は、操作つまみ、金属板部、支軸、及び基台によって静電気防止用の導電路を形成できる。
【００２１】
また本発明は、上記第２の目的を達成するために、上記発明において、上記支軸の軸方向と直交する方向に摺動可能に上記基台に保持されるスライド部材と、このスライド部材を所定位置に復帰させる付勢部材と、上記スライド部材の摺動を検出するスライド検出手段とを備え、上記スライド部材が円筒部を有し、上記回転部材が、上記スライド部材の上記円筒部が挿入される穴を有するとともに、上記スライド部材の上記円筒部内に上記支軸を挿通させたことを特徴としている。
【００２２】
このように構成した本発明は、操作つまみを付勢部材の付勢力に抗して支軸の軸方向と直交する方向に押圧すると、スライド部材が摺動し、スライド検出手段がその摺動を検出し、このスライド検出手段から信号を出力させることができる。
【００２３】
また、基台上に保持されるスライド部材は、操作つまみに加えられる操作力による傾きを生じるものでないことから、このスライド部材の円筒部内に挿通される支軸の上述の操作力による傾きを防止できるとともに、支軸に軸支されるのではなく、スライド部材の円筒部に軸支される回転部材の、上述の操作力による所定の装着位置に対する傾きの発生も防止できる。
【００２４】
また本発明は、上記第３の目的を達成するために、上記発明において、上記スライド検出手段を、上記操作つまみの外部に配置したことを特徴としている。
【００２５】
このように構成した本発明は、２つの検出手段の一方のスライド検出手段を操作つまみの外部に配置したことから、操作つまみの外形寸法を、回転検出手段だけを配置させる程度の比較的小さな外形寸法に抑えることができる。
【００２６】
また本発明は、上記発明において、上記回転部材が摺動子を有するとともに、この摺動子が摺接される導電パターンを有するフレキシブルプリント基板を備え、上記回転検出手段が、上記摺動子と上記導電パターンとを含むことを特徴としている。
【００２７】
このように構成した本発明は、フレキシブルプリント基板に容易に導電パターンを形成できることから、回転検出手段の作製も容易である。
【００２８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下，本発明の回転操作型電気部品の実施形態を図に基づいて説明する。
【００２９】
図１〜図９は本発明の回転操作型電気部品の一実施形態を示す図で、図１は操作つまみの上面部分の大部分を除いた状態を示す平面図、図２は図１に示す本実施形態の縦断面図である。
【００３０】
図３は図１に示す操作つまみの上面部分に対向して設けられる金属板部を除いた状態を示す平面図、図４は図３に示す状態から、金属板部に対向して設けられるクリック板を除いた状態を示す平面図である。
【００３１】
図５は図４に示す状態から、クリック板に対向して設けられる回転部材を除いた状態を示す平面図、図６は図５のＡ部拡大図である。
【００３２】
図７は本実施形態に備えられるフレキシブルプリント基板を示す平面図、図８は本実施形態に備えられる回転部材を示す図で、（ａ）図は平面図、（ｂ）図は裏面図、図９は本実施形態に備えられるスライド部材を示す図で、（ａ）図は平面図、（ｂ）図は裏面図である。
【００３３】
図１及び図２に示すように、本実施形態は、下方部分に基台１を備え、上方部分に操作つまみ６を備えている。これらの基台１と操作つまみ６は例えば導電材で形成してある。特に操作つまみ６は、例えば合成樹脂で作製した本体に金属メッキを施したものである。基台１に設けたカイド溝１ａに、金属から成る支軸４をその軸方向と直交する方向に移動可能に挿入させてある。また、基台１上には、支軸４の軸方向と直交する方向に摺動可能に基台１に保持されるスライド部材２と、このスライド部材２の摺動を検出するスライド検出手段、例えば押釦スイッチ８を配置してある。この押釦スイッチ８は操作つまみ６の外部に配置してある。
【００３４】
スライド部材２は中央部分に円筒部２ａを有し、この円筒部２ａ内に上述した支軸４を挿通させてある。また、操作つまみ６により回転する回転部材３をスライド部材２に対向させるように配置させてある。
【００３５】
図９の（ａ），（ｂ）図に示すように、スライド部材２は、押釦スイッチ８に対向する位置に、その摺動に伴って押釦スイッチ８に係合し、この押釦スイッチ８を作動させる操作部２ｂを備えている。
【００３６】
図２及び図８の（ｂ）図にも示すように、回転部材３は、スライド部材２の円筒部２ａに挿入される孔３ｄを有している。すなわち、回転部材３はスライド部材２の円筒部２ａに軸支され、円筒部２ａに対して回転自在となっている。孔３ｄの上方に連設され、支軸４に対向する回転部材３の孔部分には、支軸４との間に回転部材３が、支軸４の傾きによる影響を受けないようにするクリアランスを設定してある。また、回転部材３は、上方部分に突起部３ａを有し、胴部の上面部分の周方向に沿って複数のカム山３ｂを有している。図２及び図４に示すように、この回転部材３の下側には摺動子３ｃを取り付けてある。
【００３７】
図７に示すフレキシブルプリント基板９には、スライド部材２内に収容され、回転部材３の摺動子３ｃが摺接する導電パターン９ａと、上述の押釦スイッチ８が接触する導電パターン９ｂとを形成させてある。
【００３８】
上述した摺動子３ｃを有する回転部材３と、フレキシブルプリント基板９の導電パターン９ａと、この導電パターン９ａの部分が収容されるスライド部材２とによって、回転エンコーダ、すなわち回転部材３の回転を検出する回転検出部材が構成されている。
【００３９】
図２及び図３に示すように、回転部材３の上側に、クリック用ばね７ａを有し、スライド部材２に固定されるクリック板７を配置させてある。このクリック板７のクリック用ばね７ａは、回転部材３の上述したカム山３ｂに係合させてある。回転部材３が回転することにより、この回転部材３のカム山３ｂ間にクリック用ばね７ａの先端部が順次落ち込み、クリック感すなわち節度感が得られる。
【００４０】
図１及び図２に示すように、操作つまみ６の上面部分に対向するように金属板部５を設けてある。上述した金属材から成る支軸４の突起部４ａは、金属板部５の孔５ａに挿入された状態で強固にかしめられている。また、金属板部５には上述したかしめ部分を囲むように、回転部材３の突起部３ａのそれぞれが嵌入される穴５ｂを設けてある。なお、突起部３ａの嵌入を容易にするために穴５ｂにクリアランス５ｄを設けてある。
【００４１】
図１に示すように、操作つまみ６の内周縁６ａに凹凸部を設けるとともに、金属板部５の外周縁５ｃに操作つまみ６の凹凸部に適合する形状の凸凹部を設け、操作つまみ６の凹凸部と金属板部５の凸凹部とを嵌着させてある。
【００４２】
なお、図５及び図６に示すように、基台１にはスライド部材２の側縁部２ｃを規制する立上り部１ｂを設けてある。これらの立上り部１ｂによりスライド部材２の幅方向の移動が規制されている。
【００４３】
また、図２、図４、図９の（ｂ）図に示すように、摺動状態にあるスライド部材２を所定位置に復帰させる付勢部材、例えば戻しばね１０をその巻き回した腕部を基台１に掛け止めして設けてある。
【００４４】
このように構成した本実施形態は、操作つまみ６を回転させると、その回転力が金属板部５に伝えられ、さらに金属板部５の穴５ｂ、回転部材３の突起部３ａを介して回転部材３に伝えられる。すなわち、操作つまみ６の回転に応じてスライド部材２の円筒部２ａに軸支される回転部材３を回転させることができる。この回転部材３の回転により、この回転部材３の摺動子３ｃが、スライド部材２に収容されるフレキシブルプリント基板９の導電パターン９ａ上を摺動し、操作つまみ６の回転に応じた信号が出力される。
【００４５】
また、操作つまみ６を戻しばね１０の力に抗して支軸４の軸方向と直交する方向に押圧すると、スライド部材２が摺動し、このスライド部材２の操作部２ｂが押釦スイッチ８に係合し、この押釦スイッチ８から信号が出力される。
【００４６】
このように、操作つまみ６の回転量に応じた信号を出力させることができるとともに、支軸４の軸方向と直交する方向への操作つまみ６の押圧に応じた信号を出力させることができる。
【００４７】
本実施形態では、上述のように操作つまみ６と金属板部５とを、操作つまみ６の内周縁６ａに形成した凹凸部と、金属板部５の外周縁５ｃに形成した凸凹部との嵌着により安定して接続できるとともに、金属から成る支軸４と金属板部５とをかしめにより強固に固定することができる。これにより、操作つまみ６に大きな操作力が加えられ、その操作力が金属板部５に伝えられても、金属板部５と支軸４との取り付け部に弛みを生じることがない。すなわち、操作つまみ６の周囲に前述したような保護カバーを取り付けることなく、この操作つまみ６の支軸４からの脱落を防止できる。これにより部品としての信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００４８】
また、基台１上に保持されるスライド部材２は、操作つまみ６に加えられる操作力による傾きを生じるものでない。このことから、このスライド部材２の円筒部２ａ内に挿通される支軸４の操作力による傾きを防止できるとともに、円筒部２ａに軸支される回転部材３の上述した操作力による所定の装着位置に対する傾きの発生も防止できる。これにより、回転部材３の摺動子３ｃとフレキシブルプリント基板９の導電パターン９ａとの間の摺接関係を安定した状態に維持でき、優れた回転検出精度を確保できる。
【００４９】
また、本実施形態では、操作つまみ６の内周縁６ａの凹凸部と金属板部５の外周縁５ｃの凸凹部との嵌着により、操作つまみ６と金属板部５との間に、回転ずれを生じない堅固な接続を確保でき、回転検出精度の確保に貢献する。
【００５０】
また本実施形態では、操作つまみ６に加えられた操作力により金属板部５の穴５ｂの縁部から突起部３ａに伝えられ、これにより回転部材３が回転する。すなわち、操作つまみ６の回転に伴って回転部材３を良好に回転させることができ、回転検出精度の確保に貢献する。
【００５１】
また本実施形態では、操作つまみ６、金属板部５、支軸４、及び基台１によって静電防止用の導電路を形成できる。これにより静電気による誤動作を防止することができる。
【００５２】
また本実施形態では、２つの検出手段の一方のスライド検出手段を構成する押釦スイッチ８を操作つまみ６の外部に配置したことから、操作つまみ６の外形寸法を、摺動子３ｃと導電パターン９ａとを含む回転エンコーダだけを配置できる程度の比較的小さな外形寸法を抑えることができる。これにより電子機器の表面に露出する部分の小型化を実現させることができる。
【００５３】
さらに本実施形態では、フレキシブルプリント基板９に上述の回転エンコーダを構成する導電パターン９ａを形成させてあり、この導電パターン９ａの形成が容易であることから、回転エンコーダの作製が容易であり、製作費を安くすることに貢献する。
【００５４】
なお、上記実施形態では、スライド部材２、戻しばね１０、押釦スイッチ８等を備え、操作つまみ６を支軸４の軸方向と直交する方向に押圧操作して信号を出力する構成にしてあるが、このような構成部分を除き、回転操作だけ可能な構成にしてもよい。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明は、支軸を金属材で形成し、この支軸に金属板部を取り付け、この金属板部を操作つまみに接続するとともに、回転部材を金属板部に連結した構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみの周囲に保護カバーを設けることなく、操作つまみに加えられる操作力によるこの操作つまみの支軸からの脱落を防止でき、従来に比べて部品としての信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００５６】
また本発明は、上記操作つまみの内周縁に凹凸部を設けるとともに、上記金属板部の外周縁に上記凹凸部に適合する形状の凸凹部を設け、操作つまみの上記凹凸部と金属板部の上記凸凹部とを嵌着させた構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみと金属板部との間に、回転ずれを生じない堅固な接続を確保でき、回転検出精度の確保に貢献する。
【００５７】
また本発明は、上記回転部材の上記金属板部側の端部に突起部を設け、上記金属板部に上記突起部が嵌入される穴を設けた構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみの回転に伴って回転部材を良好に回転させることができ、回転検出精度の確保に貢献する。
【００５８】
また本発明は、上記操作つまみ及び上記基台を導電材で形成した構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみと基台との間に静電防止用の導電路を形成でき、静電気による誤動作を防止することができる。
【００５９】
また本発明は、上記支軸の軸方向と直交する方向に摺動可能に上記基台に保持されるスライド部材と、このスライド部材を所定位置に復帰させる付勢部材と、上記スライド部材の摺動を検出するスライド検出手段とを備え、上記スライド部材が円筒部を有し、上記回転部材が、上記スライド部材の上記円筒部が挿入される穴を有するとともに、上記スライド部材の上記円筒部内に上記支軸を挿通させた構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみに加えられる操作力による回転部材の所定の装着位置に対する傾きの発生を確実に防止でき、優れた回転検出精度を確保することができる。
【００６０】
また本発明は、上記スライド検出手段を、上記操作つまみの外部に配置した構成にしてある。これにより、操作つまみの外形寸法を比較的小さな外形寸法に抑えることができ、電子機器の表面に露出する部分の小型化を実現させることができる。
【００６１】
また本発明は、上記回転部材が摺動子を有するとともに、この摺動子が摺接される導電パターンを有するフレキシブルプリント基板を備え、上記回転検出手段が、上記摺動子と上記導電パターンとを含む構成にしてある。これにより、回転エンコーダの作製が容易となり、製作費を安くすることに貢献する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の回転操作型電気部品の一実施形態を示す図で、操作つまみの上面部分の大部分を除いた状態を示す平面図である。
【図２】図１に示す本実施形態の縦断面図である。
【図３】図１に示す操作つまみの上面部分に対向して設けられる金属板部を除いた状態を示す平面図である。
【図４】図３に示す状態から、金属板部に対向して設けられるクリック板を除いた状態を示す平面図である。
【図５】図４に示す状態から、クリック板に対向して設けられる回転部材を除いた状態を示す平面図である。
【図６】図５のＡ部拡大図である。
【図７】本実施形態に備えられるフレキシブルプリント基板を示す平面図である。
【図８】本実施形態に備えられる回転部材を示す図で、（ａ）図は平面図、（ｂ）図は裏面図である。
【図９】本実施形態に備えられるスライド部材を示す図で、（ａ）図は平面図、（ｂ）図は裏面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　　基台
１ａ　ガイド溝
１ｂ　立上り部
２　　スライド部材
２ａ　円筒部
２ｂ　操作部
２ｃ　側縁部
３　　回転部材
３ａ　突起部
３ｂ　カム山
３ｃ　摺動子（回転エンコーダ）〔回転検出手段〕
３ｄ　孔
４　　支軸
４ａ　突出部
５　　金属板部
５ａ　孔
５ｂ　穴
５ｃ　外周縁
５ｄ　クリアランス
６　　操作つまみ
６ａ　内周縁
７　　クリック板
７ａ　クリック用ばね
８　　押釦スイッチ〔スライド検出手段〕
９　　フレキシブルプリント基板
９ａ　導電パターン（回転エンコーダ）〔回転検出手段〕
９ｂ　導電パターン
１０　戻しばね〔付勢部材〕[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rotary operation type electric component which is provided in various electronic devices and outputs an electric signal according to a rotation operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this kind of conventional technique, there is one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-219133.
[0003]
This prior art includes a base, an operation knob made of resin, a rotating member rotated by the operation knob, rotation detecting means for detecting rotation of the rotating member, and a rotation center of the rotating member. And a spindle that is held by the The rotating member is fitted on the support shaft, and the end of the support shaft is caulked to an operation knob.
[0004]
The prior art includes a slide member held on a base so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support shaft, an urging member for returning the slide member to a predetermined position, that is, a return spring, A slide detecting means for detecting sliding of the member is also provided. The rotation detecting means and the slide detecting means described above are arranged inside the operation knob.
[0005]
In this prior art, when the operation knob is rotated, the support shaft is integrally rotated, and the rotating member is rotated accordingly. The rotation of the rotating member is detected by the rotation detecting means, and a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operation knob is output from the rotation detecting means. When the operation knob is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support shaft against the force of the return spring, the slide member slides. The sliding of the slide member is detected by the slide detecting means, and a signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the operation knob is output from the slide detecting means.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described prior art, since the operation knob made of resin is swaged on the support shaft, when a strong external force is applied to the operation knob, that is, when an operation force that twists in the axial direction of the support shaft is applied, the operation knob and the support knob are supported. There is a concern that the swaged portion with the shaft may be loosened, the operation knob may fall off the support shaft, and the reliability of the component may be reduced. When a force oblique to the axial direction of the support shaft is applied to the support in accordance with the operation force applied to the operation knob, the support shaft is tilted, and the rotation member is moved to a predetermined position by the tilt of the support shaft. There is a concern that the detection accuracy of the rotation detecting means may be degraded due to the inclination with respect to the mounting position.
[0007]
It is conceivable to provide a protection cover around the operation knob so that the above-mentioned twisting force is not applied to the operation knob. However, providing such a protection cover tends to increase the size of components.
[0008]
Further, in the above-described prior art, since the rotation detection means and the slide detection means are arranged inside the operation knob, there is also a problem that the external dimensions of the operation knob are likely to be large, and the miniaturization is restricted.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described state of the art, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a control cover provided around an operation knob without providing a protective cover around the operation knob. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary operation type electric component which can prevent the falling off of the motor.
[0010]
A second object is to provide a rotary operation type electric component that can prevent the rotation member from tilting with respect to a predetermined mounting position due to an operation force applied to an operation knob.
[0011]
A third object is to provide a rotary operation type electric component capable of suppressing the outer dimensions of the operation knob.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides a base, an operation knob, a rotating member rotated by the operation knob, rotation detecting means for detecting rotation of the rotating member, A spindle formed on the base, forming a center of rotation, the spindle being formed of a metal material, attaching a metal plate to the spindle, and connecting the metal plate to the operation knob; In addition, the rotating member is connected to the metal plate.
[0013]
In the present invention thus configured, when the operation knob is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the metal plate, and further transmitted from the metal plate to the rotating member. That is, the rotating member can be rotated according to the rotation of the operation knob. The rotation of the rotating member is detected by the rotation detecting means, and a signal corresponding to the rotation of the operation knob is output from the rotation detecting means.
[0014]
Further, the operation knob and the metal plate portion can be stably connected by fitting or the like, and the support shaft made of a metal material and the metal plate portion can be firmly fixed by caulking or the like. As a result, a large operation force is applied to the operation knob, and even if the operation force is transmitted to the metal plate portion, the mounting portion between the metal plate portion and the support shaft does not loosen. That is, it is possible to prevent the operation knob from falling off from the support shaft without attaching a protective cover around the operation knob.
[0015]
In addition, the present invention provides, in the above invention, an uneven portion provided on an inner peripheral edge of the operation knob, and a concave and convex portion having a shape adapted to the uneven portion on an outer peripheral edge of the metal plate portion. The present invention is characterized in that the convex and concave portions of the metal plate portion are fitted.
[0016]
The present invention configured as described above provides a solid structure that does not cause rotational displacement between the operation knob and the metal plate portion by fitting the concave and convex portions on the inner peripheral edge of the operation knob with the convex and concave portions on the outer peripheral edge of the metal plate portion. Secure connection.
[0017]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, a projection is provided at an end of the rotating member on the side of the metal plate, and a hole is provided in the metal plate to fit the projection.
[0018]
In the present invention configured as described above, when the metal plate is rotated by the operation force applied to the operation knob, the rotational force is transmitted from the edge of the hole of the metal plate to the protrusion, and the rotating member is thereby rotated. I do. That is, the rotating member can be accurately rotated with the rotation of the operation knob.
[0019]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the operation knob and the base are formed of a conductive material.
[0020]
According to the present invention thus configured, a conductive path for preventing static electricity can be formed by the operation knob, the metal plate, the support shaft, and the base.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, in order to achieve the second object, in the above invention, a slide member held on the base so as to be slidable in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the support shaft; An urging member for returning the slide member to a predetermined position; and a slide detecting means for detecting sliding of the slide member. The slide member has a cylindrical portion, and the rotating member is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the slide member. And the support shaft is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the slide member.
[0022]
In the present invention thus configured, when the operation knob is pressed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the support shaft against the urging force of the urging member, the slide member slides, and the slide detection unit detects the slide. The slide detection means can detect and output a signal.
[0023]
Further, since the slide member held on the base does not tilt due to the operation force applied to the operation knob, the tilt of the spindle inserted into the cylindrical portion of the slide member due to the above-described operation force is prevented. In addition to this, it is possible to prevent the rotation member that is not supported by the support shaft but is supported by the cylindrical portion of the slide member from tilting with respect to the predetermined mounting position due to the above-described operation force.
[0024]
According to the present invention, in order to achieve the third object, in the above invention, the slide detection means is arranged outside the operation knob.
[0025]
In the present invention configured as described above, since one slide detection unit of the two detection units is arranged outside the operation knob, the external dimensions of the operation knob are relatively small, so that only the rotation detection unit is arranged. It can be reduced to dimensions.
[0026]
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the rotating member has a slider, and the flexible member includes a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern with which the slider is slidably contacted. It is characterized by including the above conductive pattern.
[0027]
According to the present invention configured as described above, since the conductive pattern can be easily formed on the flexible printed circuit board, the rotation detecting means can be easily manufactured.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a rotary operation type electric component of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
1 to 9 are views showing an embodiment of the rotary operation type electric component of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state where most of an upper surface portion of an operation knob is removed, and FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal section of this embodiment.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a metal plate portion provided opposite to an upper surface portion of the operation knob shown in FIG. 1 is removed, and FIG. 4 is a click view provided from the state shown in FIG. It is a top view showing the state where a board was removed.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a rotating member provided to face the click plate is removed from the state shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG.
[0032]
7 is a plan view showing a flexible printed board provided in the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a view showing a rotating member provided in the present embodiment, FIG. 7A is a plan view, FIG. 9 is a view showing a slide member provided in the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 9A is a plan view and FIG. 9B is a rear view.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment includes a base 1 in a lower portion and an operation knob 6 in an upper portion. The base 1 and the operation knob 6 are made of, for example, a conductive material. In particular, the operation knob 6 is formed by applying a metal plating to a main body made of, for example, a synthetic resin. A support shaft 4 made of metal is inserted into a guide groove 1a provided in the base 1 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. A slide member 2 held on the base 1 so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support shaft 4 on the base 1, a slide detecting means for detecting the slide of the slide member 2, For example, a push button switch 8 is provided. This push button switch 8 is arranged outside the operation knob 6.
[0034]
The slide member 2 has a cylindrical portion 2a at a central portion, and the above-described support shaft 4 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 2a. The rotating member 3 rotated by the operation knob 6 is disposed so as to face the slide member 2.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the slide member 2 is engaged with the push button switch 8 at a position facing the push button switch 8 as the slide member 2 slides, and the push button switch 8 is actuated. An operation unit 2b is provided.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8B, the rotating member 3 has a hole 3 d inserted into the cylindrical portion 2 a of the sliding member 2. That is, the rotating member 3 is pivotally supported by the cylindrical portion 2a of the slide member 2, and is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion 2a. A clearance is provided in the hole portion of the rotating member 3 that is provided continuously above the hole 3 d and faces the support shaft 4 so that the rotation member 3 is not affected by the inclination of the support shaft 4 between itself and the support shaft 4. Is set. In addition, the rotating member 3 has a projection 3a on an upper portion and a plurality of cam ridges 3b along a circumferential direction of an upper surface portion of the body. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a slider 3c is attached to the lower side of the rotating member 3.
[0037]
On the flexible printed circuit board 9 shown in FIG. 7, a conductive pattern 9a housed in the slide member 2 and in which the slider 3c of the rotating member 3 slides and a conductive pattern 9b in contact with the above-described push button switch 8 are formed. It is.
[0038]
A rotation encoder, that is, rotation of the rotating member 3 is detected by the rotating member 3 having the above-described slider 3c, the conductive pattern 9a of the flexible printed circuit board 9, and the sliding member 2 in which the portion of the conductive pattern 9a is accommodated. The rotation detecting member is configured.
[0039]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a click plate 7 having a click spring 7 a and fixed to the slide member 2 is disposed above the rotating member 3. The click spring 7 a of the click plate 7 is engaged with the above-mentioned cam ridge 3 b of the rotating member 3. As the rotating member 3 rotates, the tip portions of the click springs 7a sequentially fall between the cam ridges 3b of the rotating member 3, and a click feeling, that is, a moderation feeling is obtained.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a metal plate 5 is provided so as to face the upper surface of the operation knob 6. The projection 4a of the support shaft 4 made of the above-described metal material is firmly caulked while being inserted into the hole 5a of the metal plate 5. Further, the metal plate portion 5 is provided with a hole 5b into which each of the protrusions 3a of the rotating member 3 is fitted so as to surround the above-described caulking portion. Note that a clearance 5d is provided in the hole 5b to facilitate the fitting of the projection 3a.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 1, an uneven portion is provided on an inner peripheral edge 6 a of the operation knob 6, and a convex and concave portion having a shape conforming to the uneven portion of the operation knob 6 is provided on an outer peripheral edge 5 c of the metal plate portion 5. The concave and convex portions and the concave and convex portions of the metal plate portion 5 are fitted.
[0042]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base 1 is provided with a rising portion 1b for regulating the side edge 2c of the slide member 2. The movement of the slide member 2 in the width direction is restricted by the rising portions 1b.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9B, an urging member for returning the sliding member 2 in the sliding state to a predetermined position, for example, an arm around which a return spring 10 is wound is used. It is hung on the base 1 and provided.
[0044]
In the present embodiment configured as described above, when the operation knob 6 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the metal plate portion 5, and is further rotated through the hole 5 b of the metal plate portion 5 and the protrusion 3 a of the rotating member 3. The information is transmitted to the member 3. That is, the rotating member 3 supported by the cylindrical portion 2a of the slide member 2 can be rotated according to the rotation of the operation knob 6. By the rotation of the rotary member 3, the slider 3c of the rotary member 3 slides on the conductive pattern 9a of the flexible printed circuit board 9 accommodated in the slide member 2, and a signal corresponding to the rotation of the operation knob 6 is generated. Is output.
[0045]
When the operation knob 6 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support shaft 4 against the force of the return spring 10, the slide member 2 slides, and the operation portion 2b of the slide member 2 The pushbutton switch 8 is engaged, and a signal is output.
[0046]
Thus, a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operation knob 6 can be output, and a signal corresponding to the pressing of the operation knob 6 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the support shaft 4 can be output.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the operation knob 6 and the metal plate portion 5 are fitted with the concave and convex portions formed on the inner peripheral edge 6 a of the operation knob 6 and the convex and concave portions formed on the outer peripheral edge 5 c of the metal plate portion 5. The connection can be stably performed by attaching, and the support shaft 4 made of metal and the metal plate portion 5 can be firmly fixed by caulking. Thus, even when a large operation force is applied to the operation knob 6 and the operation force is transmitted to the metal plate portion 5, the attachment portion between the metal plate portion 5 and the support shaft 4 does not loosen. That is, it is possible to prevent the operation knob 6 from dropping off the support shaft 4 without attaching the above-described protective cover around the operation knob 6. Thereby, the reliability as a part can be improved.
[0048]
Further, the slide member 2 held on the base 1 does not tilt due to the operation force applied to the operation knob 6. Therefore, the inclination of the support shaft 4 inserted into the cylindrical portion 2a of the slide member 2 due to the operating force can be prevented, and the predetermined mounting of the rotary member 3 supported by the cylindrical portion 2a by the above-described operating force can be prevented. The occurrence of inclination with respect to the position can be prevented. Thus, the sliding contact between the slider 3c of the rotating member 3 and the conductive pattern 9a of the flexible printed circuit board 9 can be maintained in a stable state, and excellent rotation detection accuracy can be secured.
[0049]
Further, in the present embodiment, the rotational misalignment between the operation knob 6 and the metal plate portion 5 is caused by the fitting of the uneven portion of the inner peripheral edge 6a of the operation knob 6 and the convex and concave portion of the outer peripheral edge 5c of the metal plate portion 5. And secures a firm connection that does not cause vibration, contributing to ensuring rotation detection accuracy.
[0050]
Further, in the present embodiment, the operating force applied to the operation knob 6 is transmitted from the edge of the hole 5b of the metal plate 5 to the protrusion 3a, whereby the rotating member 3 rotates. In other words, the rotation member 3 can be satisfactorily rotated with the rotation of the operation knob 6, which contributes to ensuring rotation detection accuracy.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the operation knob 6, the metal plate 5, the support shaft 4, and the base 1 can form a conductive path for preventing static electricity. As a result, malfunction due to static electricity can be prevented.
[0052]
Further, in this embodiment, since the push button switch 8 constituting one of the two detecting means, ie, the slide detecting means, is disposed outside the operating knob 6, the outer dimensions of the operating knob 6 can be changed to the slider 3c and the conductive pattern 9a. It is possible to suppress a relatively small external dimension that can be arranged only with the rotary encoder including the above. Thus, the size of the portion exposed on the surface of the electronic device can be reduced.
[0053]
Further, in the present embodiment, the conductive pattern 9a constituting the above-described rotary encoder is formed on the flexible printed circuit board 9. Since the formation of the conductive pattern 9a is easy, the manufacture of the rotary encoder is easy. Contribute to lower costs.
[0054]
In the above embodiment, the slide member 2, the return spring 10, the push button switch 8, and the like are provided, and the operation knob 6 is pressed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the support shaft 4 to output a signal. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that only the rotation operation is possible, excluding such components.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the support shaft is formed of a metal material, a metal plate is attached to the support, the metal plate is connected to the operation knob, and the rotating member is connected to the metal plate. It has a configuration. Thus, without providing a protective cover around the operation knob, the operation force applied to the operation knob can prevent the operation knob from dropping off the support shaft, and the reliability as a part can be improved as compared with the conventional case. it can.
[0056]
In addition, the present invention provides an uneven portion on an inner peripheral edge of the operation knob, and a convex and concave portion having a shape adapted to the uneven portion on an outer peripheral edge of the metal plate portion, wherein the uneven portion and the metal plate portion of the operation knob are provided. The configuration is such that the projections and depressions are fitted. As a result, a firm connection between the operation knob and the metal plate portion that does not cause a rotation shift can be secured, which contributes to securing the rotation detection accuracy.
[0057]
Further, according to the present invention, a projection is provided at an end of the rotating member on the side of the metal plate, and a hole is provided in the metal plate to fit the projection. Thereby, the rotation member can be satisfactorily rotated with the rotation of the operation knob, which contributes to ensuring rotation detection accuracy.
[0058]
In the present invention, the operation knob and the base are formed of a conductive material. Thereby, a conductive path for preventing static electricity can be formed between the operation knob and the base, and malfunction due to static electricity can be prevented.
[0059]
The present invention also provides a slide member slidably held on the base in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the support shaft, an urging member for returning the slide member to a predetermined position, and a sliding member for the slide member. Slide detecting means for detecting the movement, wherein the slide member has a cylindrical portion, the rotating member has a hole into which the cylindrical portion of the slide member is inserted, and in the cylindrical portion of the slide member The structure is such that the support shaft is inserted. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the rotation member from being inclined with respect to the predetermined mounting position due to the operation force applied to the operation knob, and it is possible to ensure excellent rotation detection accuracy.
[0060]
Further, in the present invention, the slide detecting means is arranged outside the operation knob. Thus, the external dimensions of the operation knob can be suppressed to relatively small external dimensions, and the size of the portion exposed on the surface of the electronic device can be reduced.
[0061]
Further, according to the present invention, the rotating member has a slider, and the flexible member includes a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern with which the slider is slidably contacted. Is included. This facilitates the production of the rotary encoder, which contributes to lower production costs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing one embodiment of a rotary operation type electric component of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state where most of an upper surface portion of an operation knob is removed.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a metal plate portion provided to face an upper surface portion of the operation knob shown in FIG. 1 is removed.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a click plate provided to face a metal plate portion is removed from the state shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where a rotating member provided to face the click plate is removed from the state shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a flexible printed board provided in the present embodiment.
8A and 8B are diagrams showing a rotating member provided in the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 8A is a plan view and FIG. 8B is a rear view.
9A and 9B are views showing a slide member provided in the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 9A is a plan view and FIG. 9B is a rear view.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 base 1a guide groove 1b rising part 2 slide member 2a cylindrical part 2b operating part 2c side edge part 3 rotating member 3a protrusion 3b cam ridge 3c slider (rotation encoder) [rotation detecting means]
3d hole 4 support shaft 4a projecting portion 5 metal plate portion 5a hole 5b hole 5c outer peripheral edge 5d clearance 6 operation knob 6a inner peripheral edge 7 click plate 7a click spring 8 push button switch [slide detection means]
9 Flexible printed circuit board 9a Conductive pattern (rotary encoder) [Rotation detecting means]
9b Conductive pattern 10 Return spring [biasing member]

Claims

A base, an operation knob, a rotating member which is rotated by the operation knob, rotation detecting means for detecting rotation of the rotating member, and a spindle which forms a rotation center of the rotating member and is mounted on the base With
The rotating shaft is formed of a metal material, a metal plate portion is attached to the supporting shaft, the metal plate portion is connected to the operation knob, and the rotating member is connected to the metal plate portion. Operational electrical components.

In the invention according to claim 1,
Along with providing an uneven portion on the inner peripheral edge of the operation knob, providing an uneven portion having a shape adapted to the uneven portion on the outer peripheral edge of the metal plate portion, the uneven portion of the operation knob and the uneven portion of the metal plate portion. A rotary operation type electric component which is fitted.

In the invention according to claim 1,
A rotary operation type electric component, wherein a projection is provided at an end of the rotating member on the side of the metal plate, and a hole is provided in the metal plate to fit the projection.

In the invention according to claim 1,
A rotary operation type electric component, wherein the operation knob and the base are formed of a conductive material.

In the invention according to claim 1,
A slide member held by the base slidably in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support shaft, an urging member for returning the slide member to a predetermined position, and a slide for detecting the slide of the slide member Detecting means, wherein the slide member has a cylindrical portion, the rotating member has a hole into which the cylindrical portion of the slide member is inserted, and the support shaft is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the slide member. A rotary operation type electric component, characterized in that:

In the invention according to claim 5,
A rotary operation type electric component, wherein the slide detection means is arranged outside the operation knob.

In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The rotating member has a slider, and further includes a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern to which the slider is slidably contacted, wherein the rotation detecting means includes the slider and the conductive pattern. And rotary operation type electric parts.